How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of cleaning up dust light debris, cords and dust.
The most expensive models can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb up stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots in our testing are efficient, easy to use, and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model that has additional features, you should consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing stairs.
When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is a good option for pet owners, because it will prevent hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any time, so that you can continue with your chores while it works. The included app offers a 3D representation of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda as well as larger objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downside is that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robot vacuum with strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they can't handle small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum, and they may not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It lets you swap in a cleaning bin and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from becoming wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only, and we liked its excellent navigation on rug and floor surfaces and its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be cleaned. It also has amazing capability to auto-empty carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combinations however it still picks hair and pet hair extremely well. It's also the best value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to floors that aren't. They are great for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or other debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the task in one move. Choose models that have an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If click here have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop too. The sensors in it allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.
The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up an area that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors, and then stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, however, you'll need to manually empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These advances decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.
The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these machines, however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older models faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount of light to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.
The models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.
Some of the models that we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to enter. This is a great option if you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.